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Recently, the awareness of environmental issues has controlled the use of materials with eco-friendly attributes. Today, we must decide what we will utilize and serve to offer a better world for future generations. Resource preservation and degradation become issues when resources and products reach the end of their useful lives. Biodegradable products manufactured from renewable resources address these issues. This research aims to develop a biodegradable resource of false banana (Enset) fiber as reinforcement with polyester resin composite material by hand lay-up method manufactured at room temperature. The mechanical and physical properties were investigated such as tensile, flexural, impact strength, and water absorption. In composites, the fiber orientations were 0°, 90°, 45°/45°, 0°/90°, and Chopped, at 40% fiber volume fraction. The sample’s production process was performed successfully. A chopped sample is an easier manufacturing process relative to the other. The study shows that fiber orientation has a significant effect on mechanical properties. The samples were immersed in distilled water until a saturation point.

In household environments, the improper handling of children's feces can be a significant contaminant, raising a high risk of child exposure. Thus, the objective of this study was to pool the available evidence on the prevalence of safe child feces disposal practices and their association with reported childhood diarrhea in low-income and middle-income countries. PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane Library databases, Ovid Medline, Google Scholar, and references of other studies were searched. The search was limited to studies published in English-language literature. Two independent reviewers used an appropriate tool to critically appraise the selected studies. Stata version 16 was used for the analysis. The pooled prevalence of unsafe disposal of children's feces among 20 studies was 52.63% (95% CI: 0.43–0.62). Overall, the meta-analysis found that unsafe disposal practices insignificantly increased the risk of diarrhea by 4% (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.84–1.24). In the subgroup analysis, unsafe disposal of children's feces decreased the risk of diarrhea in Oceania (OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.62–0.88) and increased in Asia (OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.25–1.41). In conclusion, the prevalence of unsafe child feces disposal practices was high. There was no significant association between unsafe child feces disposal practices and diarrhea. HIGHLIGHTS This study aimed to pool the extent of disposal of children's feces and its association with diarrhea in children.; This systematic review and meta-analysis included 19 published articles and 1 unpublished study.; The pooled prevalence of unsafe maternal/guardian disposal practices for child feces in this study was high.; Unsafe disposal practices for children's feces insignificantly increased the likelihood of diarrhea in children.;

Abstract Background In soils, phosphorous (P) mostly exists in fixed/insoluble form and unavailable for plants use in soil solution, hence it is in scarcity. P is fixed in the form of aluminium, iron and manganese phosphates in acidic soils and calcium phosphate in alkaline soils. Phosphate solubilizing bacteria, the ecological engineers play a pivotal role in the mobilization of fixed forms of P by using different mechanisms. The objectives of this study were to evaluate inorganic phosphate solubilizing efficiency and other multiple plant growth promoting traits of Erythrina brucei root nodule endophytic bacteria and to investigate effects of the selected endophytic bacteria on the growth of wheat plant under phosphorous deficient sand culture at greenhouse conditions. Results Among a total of 304 passenger endophytic bacteria, 119 (39%) exhibited tricalcium phosphate (TCP) solubilization; however, none of them were formed clear halos on solid medium supplemented with aluminum phosphate (Al-P) or iron phosphate (Fe–P). Among 119 isolates, 40% exhibited IAA production. The selected nine potential isolates also exhibited potentials of IAA, HCN, NH3 and/or hydrolytic enzymes production. All the selected isolates were potential solubilizers of the three inorganic phosphates (Al-P, Fe–P and TCP) included in liquid medium. The highest values of solubilized TCP were recorded by isolates AU4 and RG6 (A. soli), 108.96 mg L−1 and 107.48 mg L−1, respectively at sampling day3 and 120.36 mg L−1 and 112.82 mg L−1, respectively at day 6. The highest values of solubilized Al-P and Fe–P were recorded by isolate RG6, 102.14 mg L−1 and 96.07 mg L−1, respectively at sampling days 3 and 6, respectively. The highest IAA, 313.61 µg mL−1 was recorded by isolate DM17 (Bacillus thuringiensis). Inoculation of wheat with AU4, RG6 and RG5 (Acinetobacter soli) increased shoot length by 11, 17.4 and 14.6%, respectively compared to the negative control. Similarly, 76.9, 69.2 and 53.8% increment in shoot dry weight is recorded by inoculation with RG6, AU4 and RG5, respectively. These nine potential endophytic isolates are identified to Gluconobacter cerinus (4), Acinetobacter soli (3), Achromobacter xylosoxidans (1) and Bacillus thuringiensis (1). Conclusion AU4, RG6 and RG5 can be potential bio-inoculants candidates as low cost agricultural inputs in acidic and/or alkaline soils for sustainable crop production.

Chernet Manaye Belay,1 Taye Abuhay Zewale,2 Baye Tsegaye Amlak,3 Tiruayehu Getinet Abebe,4 Getachew Hailu2 1Department of Nursing, Tibebe Ghion Specialized Hospital, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; 2Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; 3Department of Nursing, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia; 4Department of Public Health, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Baye Tsegaye Amlak, Department of Nursing, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia, Tel +251 948702095, Email 93baye2007@gmail.com Chernet Manaye Belay, Department of Nursing, Tibebe Ghionspecialized Hospital, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, Tel +251 923557454, Email cherumanaye@gmail.comIntroduction: Ventilator-associated pneumonia refers to pneumonia that happens at least 48 hours after endotracheal intubation. It is associated with high economic costs, longer attributable lengths of stay in the hospital, and high mortality. Therefore, this study aims to determine the incidence and predictors of ventilator-associated pneumonia among adult intensive care unit admitted patients at Bahir Dar Specialized Hospitals.Methods: A retrospective follow-up study was conducted among 312 adult intensive care unit admitted patients. A data extraction checklist was used to collect the data. The collected data were coded, cleaned, and entered into EpiData version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 22 and STATA version 14 for analysis. Descriptive analysis was done by using tables, text and percentages. Bivariable and multivariable log binomial analyses were conducted to identify predictors of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Variables having p-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.Results: The study found that 27.9% (95% CI: 23%– 33%) of patients developed ventilator-associated pneumonia and the incidence rate of VAP was 45.7 per 1000 ventilator days. Patient’s stay more than or equal to 14 days (ARR: 13, 95% CI: 9.3– 31) and 7– 13 days on MV (ARR: 7.2, 95% CI: 6.2– 11), blood transfusion (ARR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.1– 6.9), low GCS (ARR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.3– 5.1), use of corticosteroid (ARR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.1– 4.1), and supine head position (ARR: 8.1, 95% CI: 1.7– 40) were identified as independent predictors of ventilator associated pneumonia.Conclusion: Nearly one-fourth of the participants developed ventilator-associated pneumonia. Duration of ventilation, blood transfusion, corticosteroid use, supine head position, and low Glasgow coma scale were significant predictors of ventilator-associated pneumonia.Keywords: ventilator-associated pneumonia, predictors, incidence, intensive-care unit, adult patients, Ethiopia

Wondu Reta Demissie,1 Bilisuma Mulatu,2 Ahmed Siraj,2 Abdulmenan Hajikassim,3 Edosa Kejela,4 Zemenu Muluken,4 Gezahegn Tesfaye Mekonin,4 Melka Biratu,4 Mitiku Birhanu,4 Negashu Dadi,4 Megersa Kelbesa,4 Admasu Belay,5 Abebe Dukessa1 1Department of Biomedical Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia; 2School of Medicine, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia; 3Department of Dentistry, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia; 4Department of Anesthesia, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia; 5School of Nursing, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Wondu Reta Demissie, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia, Email majore04@gmail.com; wondu.demissie@ju.edu.etBackground: The nature of COVID-19 transmission creates significant risks in surgical departments owing to the close contact of medical staff with patients, the limited physical environment of the operating room and recovery room, the possibility of shared surgical equipment and challenges in the delivery of surgical care in all surgical departments. Globally, studies have reported that the effects of the pandemic on surgical departments are profound, potentially long-lasting and extensive. To manage these effects, different local guidelines and recommendations have been developed, with potential differences in their effectiveness and implementation. Therefore, harmonized and effective national/international guidelines for specific surgical departments during perioperative periods are pertinent to curtail the infection, and will inevitably need to be adapted for consistent and sustainable implementation by all medical staff. The pattern of surgical patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic at Jimma Medical Center (JMC), Ethiopia, has not been explored yet. The present study aimed to describe the pattern of perioperative surgical patient care, equipment handling and operating room management during the COVID-19 pandemic at JMC.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to describe the pattern of perioperative surgical patient care, equipment handling and operating room management during the COVID-19 pandemic at JMC, using five-point Likert scales (0, not at all; 1, rarely; 2, sometimes; 3, most of the time; 4, frequently). A total of 90 respondents [35 patients (five patients from each of seven surgical departments) and 55 healthcare providers (six professionals from each of nine units, including the center of sterility room and anesthesia)] who were available during the study period, selected by a convenience sampling technique with multistage clustering, participated in the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire via direct observation and face-to-face interviews with patients undergoing surgery, healthcare providers and hospital administrators, against the standard surgical patient care guidelines. The collected data were manually checked for missing values and outliers, cleared, entered into EpiData (v4.3.1) and exported to SPSS (v22) for analysis. The mean score of practice was compared among different disciplines by applying the unpaired t-test. The findings of the study were reported using tables and narration. A p-value of less than 0.05 was declared as statistically significant.Results: Despite the surgical care practice having changed during the COVID-19 pandemic in all service domains, it is not implemented consistently among different surgical departments owing to different barriers (lack of training on the updated guidelines and financial constraints). The majority of surgical staff were implementing the use of preventive measures against COVID-19, while they were practiced less among patients. The guidelines for surgical practice during the preoperative phase were well applied, especially screening patients by different methods and the application of telemedicine to reduce physical contacts. But, against guidelines, elective patients were planned and underwent surgery, especially in the general surgery department. The implementation of recommended guidelines in the center of sterility room in handling surgical equipment was not very different before and during the pandemic. The extent of practice for anesthesia care, operating room management and postoperative care in the recovery room also changed, and the guidelines were sometimes applied.Conclusion and Recommendations: Although perioperative surgical care practice differed before and during the pandemic, the standard guidelines were inconsistently implemented among surgical departments. The implementation of recommended guidelines in the center of sterility room in handling surgical equipment was not very different before and during the pandemic. Thus, the authors developed safe surgical care guidelines throughout the different domains (infection prevention and PPE use; preoperative care, intraoperative care, operating room management, anesthesia care, equipment handling process and postoperative care) for all disciplines and shared them with all staff. We recommend that all surgical staff should access these guidelines and strictly adhere to them for surgical service during the pandemic.Keywords: perioperative surgical patient care, equipment handling, operating room management, COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Introduction Malnutrition is a major public health problem that is experienced by many developing countries, like Ethiopia. Though some studies were conducted to identify the magnitude and determinants of acute malnutrition among under-five children, there is a lack of evidence that is representative of all children in Ethiopia. Hence, this national-level data could be representative of all targets and provide us with updated information on the nation-wide magnitude of nutritional status among children under the age of five in Ethiopia. Methods This study used data from the 2019 Mini-Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS). Children aged 0–59 months with anthropometry data were included. Data processing and analysis were performed using STATA 15 software. Cross-tabulations and summary statistics were done to describe the study population. Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs) were used to estimate the association between nutritional status and explanatory variables and were expressed as an odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Model comparison was done based on Akaike and Bayesian information criteria (AIC and BIC). Results The magnitude of stunting was 37.71% [95%CI: 36.35–39.08], while the magnitude of wasting was 7.14% [95%CI: 6.52–7.91]. Living in Tigray [AOR = 2.90, 95%CI: 2.05–4.11], Amhara [AOR = 1.98, 95%CI: 1.41–2.79], having a child aged 24–35 [AOR = 3.79, 95%CI: 3.07–4.68], and being a rural resident were all significantly associated with stunting. Being born in Tigray [AOR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.02–3.01], being born into the richest family [AOR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.27–0.80], and being born from mothers aged 25–29 [AOR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.55–0.96] were all significantly associated with wasting. Conclusion The magnitude of stunting and wasting is relatively high in Ethiopia. Region, place of residence, and age of the child were significantly associated with stunting, and region, wealth index, and age of the child were significantly associated with wasting. This result provides a clue to give due consideration to under-five children to mitigate the risks of malnutrition through various techniques.

Abstract Women’s economic empowerment a strategy aimed at enabling women in decision-making, increment in income and asset ownership. The main aim of the study is to examine the impact of microfinance on women’s economic empowerment. Data were derived from a questionnaire of a sample of 346 women clients of microfinance. Multiple regression and paired sampled t-test data analysis techniques were used in the study. Multiple linear regression result revealed that age, marital status, education level, credit amount, and number of training have significant effect on women’s economic empowerment. However, previous business experience did not have significant impact on women’s economic empowerment. Paired sampled t-test result revealed that there is significant mean difference before and after microfinance service in terms of income, asset, and saving. Microfinance has significant positive effect on women’s economic empowerment by improving women’s independent income, increasing asset possession levels, and improved monthly saving amount. Moreover, the study proved that microfinance has a positive impact on women’s entrepreneurship development and business exposure.

Abstract Background Postpartum family planning is defined as the prevention of unintended pregnancy and closely spaced pregnancies through the first twelve months following childbirth. The immediate postpartum period is particularly favorable time to provide long-acting reversible contraception methods; and postpartum provision is safe and effective. Despite the advantages of long acting reversible contraception methods, they may be infrequently used in Ethiopia. Objective This study assessed the prevalence and associated factors of long-acting reversible contraceptive methods utilization among counseled mothers in immediate postpartum period. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 393 women who gave birth at Jimma University Medical Centre from 12 November 2016 to 21 January 2017, Ethiopia. Data were collected by face-to-face interview using pre-tested structured questionnaire and by record reviewing using data compiling form; and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Logistic regression was used to identify associated factors for long acting contraceptive methods use. P-value less than 0.05 at 95% confidence level was taken as significance level. Results Prevalence of reversible long acting contraceptive methods utilization among immediate postpartum mothers was 53.2% (209/393) and more than three-fourths (78.0%) of participants used implanon. The most common reported reason for not using reversible long acting contraceptive methods was preference of other contraceptive methods like short acting contraceptives (25.5%). Having more than four alive kids (AOR 2.6, 95% CI: 1.15,5.95), high monthly income (≥1000 ETB) (AOR 2.4, 95% CI: 1.08,7.20), planning to delay next pregnancy by more than 2 years (AOR 4.0, 95% CI: 1.60,9.28), mothers with no fertility desire (AOR 2.0, 95% CI: 1.12,3.15), prior use of reversible long acting contraceptive methods (AOR 3.0, 95% CI: 1.30,7.20) and receiving counseling during antenatal care follow-up and before delivery (AOR 2.0, 95% CI: 1.01, 4.73) were associated with immediate postpartum reversible long acting contraceptive methods use. Conclusion and recommendations Although the prevalence of reversible long acting contraceptive methods utilization in immediate postpartum was high, counseling mothers during ANC follow-up and before delivery can further increase its utilization. Therefore, the need for providing counseling during ANC follow up and before delivery to increase utilization of immediate postpartum reversible long acting contraceptive methods use is emphasized.

Summary: Background: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted gaps in health surveillance systems, disease prevention, and treatment globally. Among the many factors that might have led to these gaps is the issue of the financing of national health systems, especially in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), as well as a robust global system for pandemic preparedness. We aimed to provide a comparative assessment of global health spending at the onset of the pandemic; characterise the amount of development assistance for pandemic preparedness and response disbursed in the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic; and examine expectations for future health spending and put into context the expected need for investment in pandemic preparedness. Methods: In this analysis of global health spending between 1990 and 2021, and prediction from 2021 to 2026, we estimated four sources of health spending: development assistance for health (DAH), government spending, out-of-pocket spending, and prepaid private spending across 204 countries and territories. We used the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)'s Creditor Reporting System (CRS) and the WHO Global Health Expenditure Database (GHED) to estimate spending. We estimated development assistance for general health, COVID-19 response, and pandemic preparedness and response using a keyword search. Health spending estimates were combined with estimates of resources needed for pandemic prevention and preparedness to analyse future health spending patterns, relative to need. Findings: In 2019, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, US$9·2 trillion (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 9·1–9·3) was spent on health worldwide. We found great disparities in the amount of resources devoted to health, with high-income countries spending $7·3 trillion (95% UI 7·2–7·4) in 2019; 293·7 times the $24·8 billion (95% UI 24·3–25·3) spent by low-income countries in 2019. That same year, $43·1 billion in development assistance was provided to maintain or improve health. The pandemic led to an unprecedented increase in development assistance targeted towards health; in 2020 and 2021, $1·8 billion in DAH contributions was provided towards pandemic preparedness in LMICs, and $37·8 billion was provided for the health-related COVID-19 response. Although the support for pandemic preparedness is 12·2% of the recommended target by the High-Level Independent Panel (HLIP), the support provided for the health-related COVID-19 response is 252·2% of the recommended target. Additionally, projected spending estimates suggest that between 2022 and 2026, governments in 17 (95% UI 11–21) of the 137 LMICs will observe an increase in national government health spending equivalent to an addition of 1% of GDP, as recommended by the HLIP. Interpretation: There was an unprecedented scale-up in DAH in 2020 and 2021. We have a unique opportunity at this time to sustain funding for crucial global health functions, including pandemic preparedness. However, historical patterns of underfunding of pandemic preparedness suggest that deliberate effort must be made to ensure funding is maintained. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

IntroductionThere are limited data on the influence of different anti-cancer therapies on lymphocyte subpopulations and their relationships to survival of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. This study aimed to assess the effect of immunotherapy, chemotherapy, immunochemotherapy, adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery, and antibodies against Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors (VEGF) on B cell, T cell, and NK cell subpopulations, and the survival time of NSCLC patients.MethodsA total of 32 consecutive NSCLC patients were recruited at Pulmonology Clinic, Leipzig from January 2018 to March 2020 and enrolled in this study. Immunophenotyping was done using a FACS Canto II flow cytometer (BD Biosciences) before the administration of the planned therapy and during therapy with up to 7 observational windows for each patient targeting 130 immunologic parameters.ResultsAbsolute transitional B cells was significantly increased after immunotherapy (p = 0.032), immunochemotherapy (p = 0.030), and antibodies against VEGF (p = 0.024). Similarly, absolute counts and percentage of B cells were significantly increased after adjuvant chemotherapy (p = 0.023). However, absolute counts and percentage of transitional B cells are significantly decreased after chemotherapy (p = 0.001). Activated cytotoxic T cells were significantly increased after immunotherapy (p = 0.031) and immunochemotherapy (p = 0.030). The overall survival rate of NSCLC patients was 31%.ConclusionsIn conclusion, this study suggests that different types of anti-cancer therapies affect lymphocyte subpopulations of NSCLC patients. Further large-scale and multicentre studies are required to confirm our results and to evaluate the prognostic value of lymphocyte subpopulations.

Asian soybean rust, caused by the biotrophic basidiomycete Phakospora pachyrhizi, is a foliar disease that often causes considerable damage to soybean crops. The purpose of our work was to create a mechanistic model that can reliably represent epidemics of ASR in commercial soybean fields in Brazil. The most important inputs for the model are weather data (observations and forecast) and the initial observation of disease (or uredospore arrival). Our focus is on the first two or three cycles of infection after immigration into a soybean field. The model includes state variables for latent, infectious and senesced lesions, disease severity, uredospores, and soybean leaf area. Processes modeled include maturation through the latent and infectious periods, germination, sporulation, and processes affecting uredospores in the canopy. The model results were tested against field observations from trials at four locations in Brazil for the 2019/2020 growing season. The predictions generally matched the daily dynamics of disease progress in the field trials. The predictions reproduced the observed severity well with R2 value of 0.84. This high correlation indicates that our model is accurate enough to be used as a tool to predict the dynamics of ASR epidemics during the first few cycles after uredospore invasion into a soybean field. A sensitivity analysis was performed that showed that the model is sensitive to time and duration of the initial spore arrival. This indicates that spore traps or other observations should measure not only the first day of arrival but also subsequent days.

Objective This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders among cashiers in small-scale businesses in Northwestern Ethiopia.Design A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted from July to September 2022. The data were collected using a validated and standardised Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The collected data were entered into EpiData V.4.6 and analysed using Stata V.14. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to ascertain the significance of associations at p

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is presently considered a multifactorial pathology, which may lead to persistent inflammatory action of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) because of an improperly managed immunological reactivity to the intestinal microbiota found in the GIT. The immune response to common commensal microbes plays an essential role in intestinal inflammation related to UC synbiotics, and it is an important element in the optimal therapy of UC. Therefore, synbiotics, i.e., a mixture of prebiotics and probiotics, may help control the diseased state. Synbiotics alleviate the inflammation of the colon by lowering the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and improving the level of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Prebiotic supplementation is not a common practice at the moment, despite numerous research findings proving that the benefits of both probiotics and prebiotics encourage their continued existence and positioning in the GIT, with positive effects on human health by managing the inflammatory response. However, the fact that there have been fewer studies on the treatment of UC with different probiotics coupled with selected prebiotics, i.e., synbiotics, and the outcomes of these studies have been very favorable. This evidence-based study explores the possible role of ROS, SOD, and synbiotics in managing the UC. The proposed review also focuses on the role of alteration of gut microbiota, antioxidant defense in the gastrointestinal tract, and the management of UC. Thus, the current article emphasizes oxidative stress signaling in the GI tract, oxidative stress-based pathomechanisms in UC patients, and UC therapies inhibiting oxidative stress’ effects.

Thesis work is customarily regarded as an inevitable requirement qualifying students for postgraduate degree. An inherent feature of this academic pursuit is a requirement to produce an independent piece of scientific work that has some kind of practical and theoretical contributions. The objective of this research was to investigate the competencies of student researchers through a variety of techniques: assessment of the qualities of MA theses produced in three selected departments in Addis Ababa University, reflections of External Examiners (n=10), researchers’ personal memos, questionnaire (n=92 students) and student narratives (n=7 narratives). Thematic analysis and synthesis of data indicated that there is a serious gap in the general, specific and behavioral research competencies of students. The quality of the theses work is to such a level today that appears seriously compromising the standards expected of an MA thesis. Evidences still suggest that doing MA thesis could even become a platform for learning undesirable behaviors and skills that in a way threaten not only the existing academic tradition but at the same time the future generation of social, educational and behavioral researchers in Ethiopia. Some strategies were suggested to avert the threats.

Objective This study was designed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with occupational respiratory morbidity among hairdressers in Northwestern Ethiopia.Design A cross-sectional study was conducted from 6 July 2022 to 17 August 2022. The data were collected using a standardised American Thoracic Society questionnaire. The collected data were entered into EpiData V.4.6 and analysed using Stata V.14. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with occupational respiratory morbidity. The association was determined using an adjusted OR (AOR) with a 95% CI at a p value of 5 years (AOR: 6.22; 95% CI (2.73 to 14.16)), overweight (body mass index (BMI)) (AOR: 3.01; 95% CI (1.19 to 7.58)) and working near roadsides (AOR: 2.15; 95% CI (1.33 to 3.37)) were risk factors of occupational respiratory morbidity among hairdressers.Conclusions This study concluded that one-third of hairdressers experienced occupational respiratory morbidity. Longer work experience, higher BMI and working near roadsides were identified as significant risk factors for respiratory morbidity in hairdressers. Dietary calorie restrictions for overweight individuals and the development and implementation of air pollution mitigation measures targeted at roadside workers are advised to curb the problem.

ObjectiveMore than half of the 700 million people worldwide who lack access to a safe water supply live in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. Globally, approximately 2 billion people use drinking water sources that are contaminated with fecal matter. However, little is known about the relationship between fecal coliforms and determinants in drinking water. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the potential for contamination of drinking water and its associated factors in households with children under 5 years of age in Dessie Zuria district in northeastern Ethiopia.MethodsThe water laboratory was conducted based on the American Public Health Association guidelines for water and wastewater assessment using a membrane filtration technique. A structured and pre-tested questionnaire was used to identify factors associated with the potential for contamination of drinking water in 412 selected households. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with the presence or absence of fecal coliforms in drinking water, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a value of p ≤ 0.05. The overall goodness of the model was tested using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test, and the model was fit.ResultsA total of 241 (58.5%) households relied on unimproved water supply sources. In addition, approximately two-thirds 272 (66.0%) of the household water samples were positive for fecal coliform bacteria. Water storage duration ≥3 days (AOR = 4.632; 95% CI: 1.529–14.034), dipping method of water withdrawal from a water storage tank (AOR = 4.377; 95% CI: 1.382–7.171), uncovered water storage tank at control (AOR = 5.700; 95% CI: 2.017–31.189), lack of home-based water treatment (AOR = 4.822; 95% CI: 1.730–13.442), and unsafe household liquid waste disposal methods (AOR = 3.066; 95% CI: 1.706–8.735) were factors significantly associated with the presence of fecal contamination in drinking water.ConclusionFecal contamination of water was high. The duration of water storage, the method of water withdrawal from the storage container, covering of the water storage container, the presence of home-based water treatment, and the method of liquid waste disposal were factors for fecal contamination in drinking water. Therefore, health professionals should continuously educate the public on proper water use and water quality assessment.

Objective: To find out the determinants of minimum dietary diversity (MDD) among under-five children in East Africa based on the 2017 revised indicator.Methods: Secondary data from the demographic and health survey (DHS) of eight countries in East Africa were combined. A total of 27,223 weighted samples of children aged 6–59 months were included. Multi-level logistic regression analysis was employed to identify the determinants of dietary diversity.Results: The magnitude of adequate MDD in East Africa was found to be 10.47% with 95% CI (10.12–10.84) with the lowest and highest magnitude in Ethiopia and Rwanda respectively. Having a mother in the age group of 35–49, having a mother with higher educational attainment, and having a post-natal check-up within 2 months were significant factors in determining adequate MDD.Conclusion: The magnitude of adequate MDD intake among children aged 6–59 months in East Africa is relatively low. Therefore, strengthening interventions focused on improving the economic status of households, the educational status of mothers, and diversified food consumption of children aged 6–59 months should get priority to improve the recommended feeding practice of children.

The drive for more sustainable and environmentally friendly construction practices has resulted in revolutionary concrete production methods. One way is to include scrap rubber tires (contributing significantly to environmental pollution) into concrete mixtures to increase deformability. This study investigates the impact of surface-treated waste tire rubber (which partially replaces natural coarse aggregates with 5%, 10%, and 15% by weight) and industrial steel fiber (as reinforcement by including 0.5, 1, and 1.5% volume fractions) in concrete. Twelve concrete mixtures were prepared as test specimens. The replacement percentage was then determined using the compressive strength test results for additional surface treatment with three different alkaline solution (NaOH) concentrations (5%, 10%, and 15%) for 72 h. Thus, the hardened concrete properties were analyzed using compressive strength, flexural strength, and toughness; whereas the fresh qualities of equivalent concrete mixtures were evaluated using concrete slump. The findings revealed that, while partial replacement had a negative impact on the mechanical properties of the concrete, it was possible to produce rubberized concrete with better mechanical properties than conventional concrete when the partial replacement was less than 5%, treated with 10% alkaline solution, and reinforced with 1.5% steel fibers. The study’s findings illustrate the potential of these combinations for use in concrete pavement and slab applications.

Background: Africa faces diverse and complex population/human health challenges due to climate change. Understanding the health impacts of climate change in Africa in all its complexity is essential for implementing effective strategies and policies to mitigate risks and protect vulnerable populations. This study aimed to outline the major climate change-related health impacts in Africa in the context of economic resilience and to seek solutions and provide strategies to prevent or reduce adverse effects of climate change on human health and well-being in Africa. Methods: For this narrative review, a literature search was conducted in the Web of Science, Scopus, CAB Abstracts, MEDLINE and EMBASE electronic databases. We also searched the reference lists of retrieved articles for additional records as well as reports. We followed a conceptual framework to ensure all aspects of climate change and health impacts in Africa were identified. Results: The average temperatures in all six eco-regions of Africa have risen since the early twentieth century, and heat exposure, extreme events, and sea level rise are projected to disproportionately affect Africa, resulting in a larger burden of health impacts than other continents. Given that climate change already poses substantial challenges to African health and well-being, this will necessitate significant effort, financial investment, and dedication to climate change mitigation and adaptation. This review offers African leaders and decision-makers data-driven and action-oriented strategies that will ensure a more resilient healthcare system and safe, healthy populations—in ways that contribute to economic resiliency. Conclusions: The urgency of climate-health action integrated with sustainable development in Africa cannot be overstated, given the multiple economic gains from reducing current impacts and projected risks of climate change on the continent’s population health and well-being. Climate action must be integrated into Africa’s development plan to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, protect vulnerable populations from the detrimental effects of climate change, and promote economic development.

Abstract Background People with rheumatic diseases experience troublesome fluctuations in fatigue. Debated causes include pain, mood and inflammation. To determine the relationships between these potential causes, serial assessments are required but are methodologically challenging. This mobile health (mHealth) study explored the viability of using a smartphone app to collect patient-reported symptoms with contemporaneous Dried Blood Spot Sampling (DBSS) for inflammation. Methods Over 30 days, thirty-eight participants (12 RA, 13 OA, and 13 FM) used uMotif, a smartphone app, to report fatigue, pain and mood, on 5-point ordinal scales, twice daily. Daily DBSS, from which C-reactive Protein (CRP) values were extracted, were completed on days 1–7, 14 and 30. Participant engagement was determined based on frequency of data entry and ability to calculate within- and between-day symptom changes. DBSS feasibility and engagement was determined based on the proportion of samples returned and usable for extraction, and the number of days between which between-day changes in CRP which could be calculated (days 1–7). Results Fatigue was reported at least once on 1085/1140 days (95.2%). Approximately 65% of within- and between-day fatigue changes could be calculated. Rates were similar for pain and mood. A total of 287/342 (83.9%) DBSS, were returned, and all samples were viable for CRP extraction. Fatigue, pain and mood varied considerably, but clinically meaningful (≥ 5 mg/L) CRP changes were uncommon. Conclusions Embedding DBSS in mHealth studies will enable researchers to obtain serial symptom assessments with matched biological samples. This provides exciting opportunities to address hitherto unanswerable questions, such as elucidating the mechanisms of fatigue fluctuations.

Daniel Beshah,1,2 Adey Desta,1 Gurja Belay,1 Tamrat Abebe,3 Solomon Gebreselasie,3 Tesfaye Sisay Tessema4 1Microbial Cellular Molecular Biology Infection Biology Stream, College of Natural and Computational Science, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; 2Department of Diagnostic Laboratory, Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; 3Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; 4Institute of Biotechnology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Daniel Beshah, Microbial Cellular Molecular Biology infection Biology stream, College of Natural and Computational Science, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Tel +251 911151317, Email danibeshah@gmail.com; daniel.beshah@aau.edu.etBackground: Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in Ethiopia and worldwide. Alarming is the rapid global spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria.Objective: To determine the microbial profile, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern, and associated risk factors for bloodstream infections in Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH) Addis Ababa Ethiopia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2018 and March 2019. Blood collected twice from each septicemia suspected patient were processed following standard bacteriological procedures. AST was performed by using the disk diffusion test according to CLSI 2017 and 2018 guidelines. Data captured in Epidata were cleaned and analyzed by SPSS version 21 software.Results: The prevalence of BSI was 28.06% and a higher proportion of pathogene detected were gram-negative bacteria (GNB) (54.5%) and gram-positive bacteria (GPB) (45.43%). The most abundant bacterial species were Klebsiella pneumoniae 17.6%, CoNS 15.2%, and Acinetobacter spp 11.0%. Culture positivity was associated with age below 6 years, neonates AOR p=< 0.001, infants AOR p=< 0.001, Pre-school P=0.002, ICU admission COR p=< 0.001, length of admission > 5 days COR P=0.016, temperature greater than 38°C, AOR p=0.013, instrument usage during medical care AOR, p=< 0.001, chronic illness AOR p=0.027, and neonatal incubation AOR p=0.013. GNB average drug resistance rate was 57.9% of the commonly used antibiotics and the most efficient and inefficient drugs were amikacin (10.8%) and ampicillin (94.6%). The gram-negative isolates showed a 95.3% rate of multi-drug resistance; and MDR, XDR, and PDR were observed at 55.8%, 32.2%, and 7.3%, of isolates respectively. This finding shows children especially neonates were highly affected by drug resistant BSI.Conclusion: Pediatric patients and ICU patients are more affected by BSI, and drug-resistant bacteria are a major problem. Therefore, appropriate intervention approaches need to be implemented.Keywords: bloodstream infections, bacterial isolates, antimicrobial resistance

Selam Fisiha Kassa,1 Tewodros Getaneh Alemu,1 Masresha Asmare Techane,1 Chalachew Adugna Wubneh,1 Nega Tezera Assimamaw,1 Getaneh Mulualem Belay,1 Tadesse Tarik Tamir,1 Addis Bilal Muhye,1 Destaye Guadie Kassie,1 Amare Wondim,1 Bewuketu Terefe,2 Bethelihem Tigabu Tarekegn,1 Mohammed Seid Ali,1 Beletech Fentie,1 Almaz Tefera Gonete,1 Berhan Tekeba,1 Bogale Kassahun Desta,1 Amare Demsie Ayele,1 Melkamu Tilahun Dessie,1 Kendalem Asmare Atalell1 1Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 2Department of Community Health Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Selam Fisiha Kassa, Email selamf31@gmail.comIntroduction: Diarrhea causes a loss of body water and salt, which can lead to dehydration and death. The use of oral rehydration salts and zinc together is regarded as an effective treatment for diarrhea in resource-poor settings like Ethiopia. However, studies that examine the co-utilization of oral rehydration solution and zinc in the treatment of diarrhea are limited Ethiopia.Objective: To assess the prevalence and associated factors of oral rehydration solution and zinc co-utilization to treat diarrhea in children under the age of five in Ethiopia, EDHS 2016.Methods: Secondary data from the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) was used to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with the co-utilization of ORS and zinc to treat diarrhea in under-five children. A multilevel binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with the co-utilization of ORS and zinc. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% CI were calculated and used as a measure of associations, and variables having a p-value of less than 0.05 were declared as statistically significant.Results: The national prevalence of ORS and zinc co-utilization was 16.65% (14.66%, 18.84%). Maternal educational status (AOR = 1.45; 95% CI; (1.01, 2.09)), household size (AOR = 1.53; 95% CI; 1.09, 2.16) and distance to health facilities at the community level (AOR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.02, 2.58) were variables significantly associated with the co-use of ORS and zinc.Conclusion: The co-utilization of ORS and zinc for the management of diarrhea was low in Ethiopia. Education, household size, and distance to health facilities at the community level were significantly associated with the co-utilization of ORS and zinc in Ethiopia.Keywords: associated factor, children, diarrhea, Ethiopia, ORS, zinc

Abayneh Shewangzaw Engda,1 Hailu Belay Yigzaw,1 Nigus Alemnew Engdaw,1 Elyas Admasu Basha,1 Ahmed Adem,2 Abate Dargie Wubetu,1 Worku Misganaw Kebede,3 Bantealem Tilaye Atinafu,3 Fetene Nigussie Tarekegn,3 Makda Abate Belew3 1Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia; 2Department of Nursing, Psychiatry Unit, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Samara University, Samara, Ethiopia; 3Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Abayneh Shewangzaw Engda, Debre Berhan University, P.O. Box 445, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia, Tel +251 9 20320375, Email abaynehshewa@gmail.comBackground: Anxiety is an un-pleasurable emotional state associated with psychophysiological changes in response to an intra-psychic conflict. The perioperative period is one of the worrying events for most surgical patients. Despite preoperative anxiety having many negative consequences on post-operative physical and mental health, no adequate information on the degree to which the preoperative period exposed clients to preoperative anxiety and its associated factors.Objective: To assess the prevalence of preoperative anxiety and associated factors among adult surgical patients in Debre Berhan Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia.Methods: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1, 2020, to August 30, 2020. State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Scale (S-STAI) was used to measure the level of pre-operative anxiety. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to collect the data. The data were entered to Epi-Data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 for data analysis. A statistically significant association was declared at a p-value less than 0.05.Results: A total of 330 patients were enrolled in the study with a response rate of 93.2%. The prevalence of a high level of preoperative anxiety was 53.6% (95% CI (49.6– 58.7)). Being female 3.2 (2.19, 3.71) illiterate 4.1 (2.01, 15.39), fear of death 2.12 (1.30, 3.44), results of operation 2.60 (1.75, 4.18), postoperative pain 2.35 (1.37, 4.02), and surgical complication 1.9 (1.03, 12.13) were statistically significant factors.Conclusion: Preoperative anxiety affects more than half of surgical patients which is a high and serious health burden. Additionally, this study revealed that being female, illiterate, fear of death, having a history of surgical complications and fear of complications, and fear of postoperative pain were significantly associated with preoperative anxiety. Assessing during the preoperative period helps to detect and ameliorate the problem. Preoperative counseling and informed consent taken as a prerequisite for surgery will help in reducing preoperative anxiety.Keywords: preoperative period, preoperative anxiety, surgical patient, Ethiopia

The vegetative coverage throughout the world is rapidly changing, which also directly affects the land degradation. Therefore, this study was intended to investigate the vegetation vulnerability analysis triggered by land use/land cover (LULC) dynamics as an indicator of land degradation conditions using Remote Sensing and GIS in Guna-tana watershed. Trend studies and cross-sectional research design was employed, which produces data from the population at a particular point in time and to examine patterns of change with a mixed research approach to examine the degree of influence to measure the sensitivity analysis. A multi-criteria decision evaluation was used to create a vegetation vulnerability map for the research area. The vulnerability model was run using four sets of parameters: closeness to the road, slope, settlement closeness, and land use planning. Landsat imageries of 1995 and 2020 was used to conduct a comparative study of land use pattern. The study area has experienced a sequence of land degradation from 1995 to 2020, according to the results of multitemporal data. Agricultural and built-up lands have increased throughout this time, while forest and shrub land has decreased. The vegetation vulnerability of the area also shows that 19.23% extreme vulnerable and 67.03% very strongly vulnerable which is more than 80% of the area is highly vulnerable to vegetation. Vegetation suitability and land management evaluation is critical for determining the risk of land deterioration, that shows the adverse effects on ecological elements due to a decrease in metabolic capacity and patch disintegration processes.

Dagnew Getnet Adugna,1 Hailu Aragie,1 Anteneh Ayelign Kibret,1 Daniel Gashaneh Belay1,2 1Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Amhara Region, Ethiopia; 2Department of Epidemiology, Institution of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Amhara Region, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Dagnew Getnet Adugna, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, P.O. Box: 196, Gondar, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, Tel +251 932223887, Email dagnewgetnet5@gmail.comAbstract: Traumatic brain injury is the main cause of injury-related deaths and disabilities throughout the world, which is characterized by a disruption of the normal physiology of the brain following trauma. It can potentially cause severe complications such as physical, cognitive, and emotional impairment. In addition to understanding traumatic brain injury pathophysiology, this review explains the therapeutic potential of stem cells following brain injury in two pathways: response of endogenous neurogenic cells and transplantation of exogenous stem cell therapy. After traumatic brain injuries, clinical evidence indicated that endogenous neural progenitor cells might play an important role in regenerative medicine to treat brain injury. This is due to an increased neurogenic regeneration ability of these cells following brain injury. Besides, exogenous stem cell transplantation has also accelerated immature neuronal development and increased endogenous cellular proliferation in the damaged brain region. Therefore, a better understanding of the endogenous neural stem cell’s regenerative ability and the effect of exogenous stem cells on proliferation and differentiation ability may help researchers to understand how to increase functional recovery and tissue repair following injury.Keywords: traumatic brain injury, stem cell therapy, neural stem cells, endogenous neurogenesis, cell transplantation

Dinkenesh Chalchisa,1,2 Yohannes Belay,1 Endalkachew Befekadu,3 Melkitu Kassaw,4 Letebrhan G/Egzeabher,5 Gebremedhin Gebremicael,1 Boki Lengiso,1 Dawit Chala,1 Zewdineh Sahlemariam,6 Estifanos Kebede,6 Ebba Abate,4 Aster Tsegaye2 1National HIV Reference Laboratory, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; 2Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; 3Department of Medical Laboratory, Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; 4Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; 5Department of Medical Laboratory, Yekatit 12 Medical College Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; 6Jimma University, Jimma, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Dinkenesh Chalchisa, National HIV Reference Laboratory, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, 1242, Ethiopia, Tel + 251-91-064-0900, Email dinkeneshc@gmail.comBackground: Reference intervals for clinical laboratory parameters differ based on several factors, including age, sex, genetic variation, and geographic location. This variation influences clinical decisions and treatment monitoring. Currently, Ethiopia has used adopted reference intervals from manufacturer values derived from non-Africans. Therefore, the aim this study was to determine reference intervals for absolute and percentage CD4+ T cells for an apparently healthy population in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 361 apparently healthy people in four subcities in Addis Ababa from January to June 2019. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire after informed consent had been obtained. Blood samples were collected and CD4+ T-lymphocyte enumeration performed using a BD FACSPresto near-patient CD4 counter. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS 20. Reference intervals were determined by a nonparametric test estimating percentiles 2.5 (lower limit) and 97.5 (upper limit) with 95% CIs. P< 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: A total of 337 (183 female and 154 male) healthy participants of median age 28 (IQR 17– 35) years were included in the final analysis. Medians of absolute and percentage CD4+ T-cell counts (932.0 and 42.9, respectively) of female participants were significantly higher than male participants (802.5 and 38.7, respectively; P< 0.05). Reference intervals for absolute CD4+ T-cell count and percentages in males were 483.8– 1,310 cells/μL and 18.1– 57.3 and in females 447.8– 1,479.8 cells/μL and 25.6– 58.9, respectively.Conclusion: The CD4+ T-count reference intervals established in this study showed some inconsistency from the manufacturer’s provided values and other studies and also revealed sex differences, necessitating sex-specific locally established reference intervals.Keywords: reference interval, CD4 count, %CD4, Ethiopia

Abstract Background The distribution of deaths and morbidities related to cervical cancer is disproportionally higher in low- and middle-income countries. In Ethiopia, there is a limited study on cervical cancer prevalence on Sex Workers, but a study conducted in Central America risk of developing HPV infection in sex workers is 2.5 times more than the general population. But a study conducted in the general population in Ethiopia reports that the incidence and mortality due to cervical cancer in Ethiopia is 26.4 and 18.4/100,000 respectively. However, there is limited data on knowledge and practice of cervical cancer prevention among sexual sex workers in Ethiopia. Methods A health institution-based cross-sectional study design was used to investigate the knowledge and practice of cervical cancer prevention and its associated factors among 405 women of commercial sex workers with a systematic random sampling technique and with an interviewr administered. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify associated factors of knowledge and practice towards cervical cancer prevention with a p value

Asrat Wolde,1 Wadu Wolancho,2 Yeshitila Belay,2 Asamirew Alemu,3 Ashenaf Asefa,3 Tsehaye Gebremedhin3 1Department of Psychiatry, Mizan Tepi University, Mizan Aman, South West Regional State, Ethiopia; 2Department of Nursing, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia; 3Department of Nursing, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan Aman, South West Regional State, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Asrat Wolde, Department of Psychiatry, Mizan Tepi University, Mizan Aman, South West Regional State, Ethiopia, Tel +251916389179, Email Asratwolde2017@gmail.comBackground: Elderly abuse and comorbid problematic substance use, disability, and physical and mental illness have been major problems in low-income countries. In most countries, the elderly are the most neglected segment of the population, and there is insufficient information about elderly abuse perpetration or victimization in low-income countries like Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess elderly abuse perpetration or victimization among the elderly in Mizan Aman town, southwest Ethiopia.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 268 elderly people from May to June, 2021, by using a systematic sampling technique. The elderly abuse and the ASSIST tools were used to assess the elderly abuse and khat, alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco use disorders, respectively. Moreover, multimorbidity and physical disability were also assessed. Data were entered into EpiData version 3.1 and exported to the Statistical Package for Social Science Version 23. A logistic regression model was used to identify independent predictors of elderly abuse.Results: The prevalence of elder abuse was 41.8%, and the prevalence of poly substance, alcohol, khat, and tobacco use disorder was 32.5%, 19.4%, 12%, and 4.5%, respectively. Besides, the comorbidity of physical disability and multiple chronic diseases was 8% and 24.6%, respectively. Moreover, physical disability (AOR = 5.652, CI = 1.459, 21.894), multimorbidity (AOR = 3.972, CI = 1.898, 8.314), substance use disorder (AOR = 3.877, CI = 1.814, 8.286), age above 80 years (AOR = 8.452, CI = 2.273, 31.425), and poor social support (AOR = 3.372, CI = 1.043, 10.903) were positively associated with elderly abuse.Conclusion: The magnitude of elder abuse and comorbid multimorbidity, physical disability, and substance use disorder was high, and having multiple chronic diseases, physical disability, substance use disorder, advanced age, and poor social support were risk factors for elderly abuse.Keywords: elderly abuse, perpetration, victimization, khat use disorder, physical disability, multimorbidity, Ethiopia

Abstract Background In Ethiopia, thousands of seasonal migrant workers travel from non-malaria or mild malaria transmission areas to malaria-endemic areas for seasonal farm activities. Most of these migrants stay in the farm areas for land preparation, plowing, planting, weeding, and harvesting for a specific period and return to their living areas. However, there is limited evidence of how seasonal migrant workers contribute to the transmission of malaria to new or less malaria transmission areas. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at the departure phase of seasonal migrant workers in the Metema district from September 2018 to October 2019. A total of 1208 seasonal migrant workers were interviewed during their departure from farm sites to their homes. The face-to-face interviews were performed using a pretested structured questionnaire. Moreover, blood samples were collected from each study participant for microscopic malaria parasite examination. The data were fitted with the logistic regression model to estimate the predictors of malaria transmission. Results At departure to home, the prevalence of malaria among seasonal migrant workers was 17.5% (15.6–19.45%). Approximately 71.80% (177/212) of the cases were Plasmodium falciparum, and 28.20% (35/212) were Plasmodium vivax. Most seasonal migrant workers 934 (77.4%) were from rural residences and highlanders 660 (55%). Most 661 (55.4%) of the migrants visited two and more farm sites during their stay at development corridors for harvesting activities. Approximately 116 (54.7%) asymptomatic malaria cases returned to the Dembia 46 (21.7%), Chilaga 46 (19.8%) and Metema 28 (13.2%) districts. Conclusion In this study, asymptomatic malaria remains high among seasonal migrant workers departing to home from malaria endemic areas. This may fuel a resurgence of malaria transmission in the high lands and cause challenges to the country's malaria prevention and elimination efforts. Hence, tailored interventions for seasonal migrant workers could be in place to enhance malaria control and elimination in Ethiopia, such as asymptomatic malaria test and treat positive cases at departure and transit, and integration between malaria officers at their origin and departure for further follow-up to decrease any risk of spread at the origin.

Alemayehu Sayih Belay,1 Atsede Atirsaw Achimano2 1Mizan Tepi University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Mizan Aman, Ethiopia; 2Mizan Dental Clinic, Department of Dental Medicine, Mizan Aman, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Alemayehu Sayih Belay, Mizan Tepi University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, P.O. Box: 260, Mizan Aman, Ethiopia, Tel +251-911669861, Email Alex.sayihalem2018@gmail.comBackground: Periodontal disease is characterized by the inflammation of all tissues that surround and support the teeth, and it is the most common public health problem worldwide. It has many different contributing factors, such as poor oral hygiene, smoking, anemia, bacterial plaque, poor economic status, and nutritional deficiency. It also causes different feto-maternal complications like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm labor, low birth weight, and early abortion. Thus, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of periodontal disease among pregnant women.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 618 women at public hospitals in the Southwest Ethiopia. Data were collected using a systematic random sampling method and a structured interviewer administered questionnaire. The data were entered into Epi-Data Manager 4.2 and then transferred to a statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 21 for analysis. The logistic regression analysis was done to see the significant association between each predictor with periodontal disease by considering a p-value of < 0.05 and a CI of 95%.Results: A total of 618 women attending ANC with a 100% response rate were enrolled in this study. The mean and standard deviation of the age of the study participants was 31.07 ± 7.8 years. The periodontal disease was observed among 240 (38.8%) of the total participants with 95% C.I of (35%, 43%). Predictors like rural residency, women who could not read and write, women with poor wealth index, nutritional status of underweight, had no information about periodontal disease, depression, history of diabetes mellitus, self-perceived halitosis, no history of ANC, and lower gestational age were found to be significantly associated with periodontal disease.Conclusion: In this study, the prevalence of periodontal disease was found to be significantly higher. Therefore, in order to minimize the burden of periodontal disease among pregnant women, oral, medical, and mental health education should be promoted.Keywords: prevalence, factors, periodontal disease, antenatal care

Academic motivation, adjustment, and life satisfaction are among the most important factors that have a great impact on students’ success at school and well-being in life which are highly determined by psychological flexibility. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), which is a mindfulness-based therapy, is believed to impact students’ psychological flexibility. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of ACT group intervention on academic achievement motivation, adjustment, and life satisfaction of students. A program that consisted of 10 weekly sessions, each of which took two hours in duration was implemented for 45 grade 11 female students at Bole Preparatory School following The Melbourne Clinic ACT group treatment procedure. Participants were recruited based on their response to the call for participation, assessment through intake interview and confirmed availability to attend the intervention sessions. The participants were randomly assigned into two groups: intervention (treatment) group (ACT) and the waitlist (control) group (WLG). Both baseline (pre-test) and end line (post-test) were conducted. Adjustment Inventory for School Students (AISS), Deo and Mohan Achievement Motivation (DMAM), Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ II), Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ), The Mindful Attention and Awareness Scale (MAAS), Valued Living Questionnaire (VLQ) and Satisfaction with Life as a Whole and Personal Wellbeing Index Scale (PWI) were used to measure psychological flexibility academic adjustment, academic motivation, satisfaction with life, and personal wellbeing. A repeated measure ANOVA model was used to test the hypothesis. The results showed that students in the ACT group reported greater academic motivation, adjustments, life satisfaction and psychological flexibility than those in the WLG after receiving the 10-weeks long standard ACT group intervention. Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that ACT group intervention can help to boost achievement motivation, adjustment, and satisfaction in life among female high school students.

IntroductionThe accumulation of petroleum hydrocarbons (PHs) in the soil can reduce soil porosity, hinder plant growth, and have a serious negative impact on soil ecology. Previously, we developed PH-degrading bacteria and discovered that the interaction between microorganisms may be more important in the degradation of PHs than the ability of exogenous-degrading bacteria. Nevertheless, the role of microbial ecological processes in the remediation process is frequently overlooked.MethodsThis study established six different surfactant-enhanced microbial remediation treatments on PH-contaminated soil using a pot experiment. After 30 days, the PHs removal rate was calculated; the bacterial community assembly process was also determined using the R language program, and the assembly process and the PHs removal rate were correlated.Results and discussionThe rhamnolipid-enhanced Bacillus methylotrophicus remediation achieved the highest PHs removal rate, and the bacterial community assembly process was impacted by deterministic factors, whereas the bacterial community assembly process in other treatments with low removal rates was affected by stochastic factors. When compared to the stochastic assembly process and the PHs removal rate, the deterministic assembly process and the PHs removal rate were found to have a significant positive correlation, indicating that the deterministic assembly process of bacterial communities may mediate the efficient removal of PHs. Therefore, this study recommends that when using microorganisms to remediate contaminated soil, care should be taken to avoid strong soil disturbance because directional regulation of bacterial ecological functions can also contribute to efficient removal of pollutants.

The primary motivation for initiating this study is the recognition that there is a lack of geographically disaggregated information regarding the socio-economic effects of COVID-19 and thus resulted in failing to cultivate context-based prevention response and the prevailing prevention needs. Unless the key socio-economic effects of COVID 19 are known, and if there is no alignment with the spatial variation, it is impossible to plan, target, and deliver sound interventions. This study covers North Shewa Zone of Oromia region, Ethiopian. Mixed research approach with descriptive survey design has been used and systematic sampling technique was employed to select respondents proportionally from each stratum by the population size determination formal of Yemane (1967) the sample unites were 374 respondents. The study revealed that Covid -19 has significant effect of the social networking specifically; on social assets, social gathering.

Background: Street food is expanding all around Ethiopia. Street vendors have become commonplace near schools, hospitals and bus stations. Because street vended food is sold in unsanitary surroundings near streets, it can be contaminated with variety of pathogens, exposing consumers to foodborne illnesses. There haven’t been enough studies on Ethiopian street food, and little is known about how hygienic these foods are. The local authorities don’t even have a regulatory system to ensure food safety for street food vendors. Thus, this study aimed to assess food hygiene practices among street food vendors and associated factors. Methods: Community-based cross-sectional analytical study design was conducted from June, 2021 to July, 2021 including 402 respondents. Structured questionnaire and observational checklists were used for assessing food hygiene practices. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistics (version 25.0). Binary logistic regression analyses were used to check association of covariates with food hygiene practices. Adjusted odds ratio, and P -value less than 0.05 at 95% confidence interval were used to report significant association. Results: Out of 402, 390 individuals responded. About 123 (31.5%) (95% CI: 27.2-36.4) of vendors had good food hygiene practices. Being female (AOR = 0.15; 95% CI: 0.09-0.27), age (19-25 years (AOR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.11-0.81) and 26 to 35 years (AOR = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.08-0.74), marital status (being married (AOR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.29-0.93), educational status (college and above (AOR = 3.42; 95% CI: 1.35-8.62), monthly income (1001-2000 Ethiopian Birr (AOR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.19-0.68), being inspected (AOR = 13.15; 95% CI: 2.76-62.66) and lack of water at vending site (AOR = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.17-0.97) were factors significantly associated with food hygiene practices of street vendors. Conclusion: Few street food vendors who adhered to good food hygiene were present. Significant variables of food hygiene behaviors included gender, age, marital status, education level, monthly income, inspection frequency, and the availability of water at vending sites. The vendors’ food hygiene practices needed to be improved, which necessitated continual assistance, frequent inspections, and public awareness campaign.

IntroductionElectronic waste (e-waste) is an emerging human and environmental problem. Lead (Pb) is one of the most dangerous chemicals for human health, and it is the most prevalent heavy metal pollutant in e-waste. Despite the rapid growth of e-waste globally and the health effects of Pb, there is little information regarding the effects of Pb exposure from e-waste on children. Therefore, the aim of this review was to provide concise information on the health effects of Pb exposure from e-waste on children.MethodsA comprehensive search of databases was undertaken using PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, HINARI, African Journal Online (AJOL), and additional sources were searched up to November 25, 2022. Eligibility criteria were determined using Population, Exposure, Comparator, and Outcome (PECO). The guidelines for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) were used during the article selection process. The protocol of this systematic review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (Registration ID: CRD42022377028). The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) quality appraisal checklist was used to assess the quality of the included studies.ResultsFrom a total of 1,150 identified studies, 20 full-text studies were included in the systematic review. All most included studies were conducted in China recycling area for e-waste. The included studies were conducted with an exposed group versus a reference group. The majority of the included studies found that blood Pb levels were ≥5 μg/dl and that Pb exposures from e-waste were affecting children’s health, such as a decrease in serum cortisol levels, inhibition of hemoglobin synthesis, impact on neurobehavioral development, affect physical development, etc.ConclusionLead exposure had a significant impact on children’s health as a result of informal e-waste recycling. Therefore, formalizing the informal sector and raising public health awareness are important steps toward reducing Pb exposure from e-waste. Moreover, the concerned stakeholders, like national and international organizations, should work together to effectively manage e-waste.

It is well-known that mood and pain interact with each other, however individual-level variability in this relationship has been less well quantified than overall associations between low mood and pain. Here, we leverage the possibilities presented by mobile health data, in particular the "Cloudy with a Chance of Pain" study, which collected longitudinal data from the residents of the UK with chronic pain conditions. Participants used an App to record self-reported measures of factors including mood, pain and sleep quality. The richness of these data allows us to perform model-based clustering of the data as a mixture of Markov processes. Through this analysis we discover four endotypes with distinct patterns of co-evolution of mood and pain over time. The differences between endotypes are sufficiently large to play a role in clinical hypothesis generation for personalised treatments of comorbid pain and low mood.

A polysaccharide molecule called starch exists in nature and is cheap, renewable, biodegradable, and readily accessible. The main objective of this project is to extract and characterize anchote (Coccinia abyssinica) starch, as well as to generate bio-ethanol from its pulp/waste. The anchote sample used in this investigation came from Ethiopia’s western Oromia region. Anchote (Coccinia abyssinica) starch was extracted, and the pulp from the tuber was peeled and the supernatant isolated for bio-ethanol production. The extracted starch from anchote and bio-ethanol from pulps were characterized by physicochemical, functional properties and FT-IR analysis. The result of physicochemical and functional properties of anchote starch was found to be pH (4.44), WHC (112%), Solubility (5.03%), swelling power (5.781%), Gelatinization temperature (53.33 °C), WAC (2 g/g), bulk density (0.605 g/cm3) and OAC (3 g/g). According to this FTIR research, anchote starch has a chemical structure that is similar to corn, cassava, and potato starch. As the results showing a promising alcoholic content (25% v/v) and the existence of bioethanol being validated by a combustion test, the pulps/wastes recovered from anchote are also good sources of bioethanol. Finally, the FTIR spectroscopic analysis revealed that ethyl alcohol was produced from anchote pulps/waste after acid hydrolysis, fermentation, and distillation.

Introduction: Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are widely used tools that have been proven effective in preventing and controlling malaria. However, usage varies among households and can greatly affect the benefits of ITNs. Thus, this study aimed to assess the household utilization of insecticide-treated nets and its associated factors for under-5 children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in March-April 2020 in the East Mesekan district. A total of 591 households with under-5 children were chosen by using a systematic random sampling approach for the interviews. The data was collected using a pretested questionnaire. Epi-Data version 3.1 was used to enter data and SPSS version 21 for analysis. A P -value of .05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In this study, 58.2% (95% CI: [54.1%-62.2%]) of household participants used ITN for children under 5 years of age while sleeping the night before the survey. The study participants’ overall knowledge and practice of malaria prevention were 27.1% and 23.9%, respectively. Having a family size of less than 5 (AOR = 0.60, 95% CI: [0.37-0.98]) and complaints of skin irritation (AOR = 0.43, 95% CI: [0.29-0.63]) significantly decreased ITN utilization. However, having 1 ITN (AOR = 2.15, 95% CI: [1.15-4.02]) or 2 ITNs (AOR = 2.58, 95% CI: [1.51-4.39]), as well as low (AOR = 2.07, 95% CI: [1.33-3.20]) and medium (AOR = 1.83, 95% CI: [1.11-3.02]) knowledge of ITN importance, increased ITN utilization significantly. Conclusions: The households’ use of ITNs for children under the age of 5 was inadequate. It was significantly associated with having a family size of less than 5, complaints of skin irritation, owning 1 or 2 ITNs, and having low and medium knowledge of its importance. It is recommended that continuous and progressive health awareness about the consistent use of ITN for malaria prevention in the study area be promoted.

In Ethiopia, like that of the other developing countries, pesticides are widely used for a variety of purposes, but their unsafe use causes a major environmental and health hazard. The aim of this study was to assess pesticide use practice and its associated factors among the rural community of Malga district, Sidama region, southern Ethiopia. A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2021 at Malga District. Data were collected from 549 farmers by a structured and pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Binary and multivariable logistic regression was used for the data analysis. Adjusted odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to determine the association between safe practices of pesticide use and several related factors. Safe practice of pesticide use was observed in 193 (35.2%). The participants who had primary education [AOR = 5.605, 95% CI: 3.309, 9.495], secondary education and above [AOR = 9.847, 95% CI: 5.007, 19.368], used pesticide for 10 years and above [AOR = 6.790, 95% CI: 3.589, 12.843], used pesticide between 6 and 10 years [AOR = 1.913, 95% CI: 1.166, 3.141] pesticide bought from any shop [AOR = 2.320, 95% CI: 1.364, 3.947], agricultural office [AOR = 7.187, 95% CI: 3.654, 14.137] were associated with safe use of pesticides. The safe practice of pesticide use was low in the study area. Continuous training programs should be implemented on the safe practice of pesticide use to the local farmers.

Milk is a complete and highly nutritious source of food for human beings. However, in many developing countries, including Ethiopia, the quality of milk products has become a major health concern for consumers, particularly for infants and children. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the quality of raw and pasteurized milk marketed in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia. A laboratory-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 90 milk samples. The samples were chosen using a simple random sampling technique. For statistical analysis, ANOVA and the Pearson correlation coefficient were used. The specific gravity of pasteurized milk, farm milk, and milk vendors were found to be 1.021, 1.027, and 1.026, respectively. Farm milk, milk vendors, and pasteurized milk had fat contents of 3.38%, 3.22%, and 3.09%, respectively. The total bacterial count in pasteurized milk, farm milk, and milk vendors was found to be 7.08, 6.73, and 6.94 log10 CFU/mL, respectively. In raw milk, hydrogen peroxide (7.7%), formalin (7.7%), and water (3.8%) were found, whereas in pasteurized milk, hydrogen peroxide (50%), formalin (50%), and water (19.8%) were found. Based on the findings of this study, the quality of both raw and pasteurized milk was found to be poor as per the milk quality standards. This may cause significant public health-related problems. Therefore, an appropriate intervention should be conducted to improve the quality of milk.

Gastrointestinal tract is a series of hollow organs connected in a long tube twisting from the mouth to the anus. Recovery of gastrointestinal diseased patients depends on the early diagnosis of the disease and proper treatment. In recent years, the diagnosis of gastrointestinal tract diseases using endoscopic image classification has become an active area of research in the biomedical domain. However, previous studies show that there is a need for improvement as some classes are more difficult to identify than others. In this study, we propose a concatenated neural network model by concatenating the extracted features of VGGNet and InceptionNet networks to develop a gastrointestinal disease diagnosis model. The deep convolutional neural networks VGGNet and InceptionNet are trained and used to extract features from the given endoscopic images. These extracted features are then concatenated and classified using machine learning classification techniques (Softmax, k-Nearest Neighbor, Random Forest, and Support Vector Machine). Among these techniques, support vector machine (SVM) achieved the best performance compared to others, using the available standard dataset. The proposed model achieves a classification accuracy of 98% and Matthews’s Correlation Coefficient of 97.8%, which is a significant improvement over previous techniques and other neural network architectures.

Abdella Birhan Yabeyu,1 Kaleab Taye Haile,2 Yared Belete Belay,3 Henok Getachew Tegegn4 1Department of Pharmacy, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia; 2Department of Pharmaceutics and Social Pharmacy, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 3Department of Pharmaceutics and Social Pharmacy, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia; 4Department of Rural Medicine, University of New England, Armidale, AustraliaCorrespondence: Abdella Birhan Yabeyu, Email birhanabdella@gmail.comBackground: The general public’s awareness and knowledge of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its risk factors remains low, which may contribute to the development of CKD and undiagnosed disease. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess public knowledge of CKD in the Ethiopian community using a validated tool.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa. For administrative purposes, the city is divided into ten sub-cities; proportional numbers of study participants were drawn from each sub-city based on their total population size. This study’s target population was the general public, and health professionals were excluded. SPSS version 26 was used to analyze the data, and frequencies, tables, percentages, mean, and standard deviation were used to describe the responses of the participants. To identify factors associated with public knowledge of CKD, an independent T-test and one-way ANOVA statistics were used.Results: A total of 350 people were approached, with 301 of them completing and returning the questionnaire, yielding an 86% response rate. The mean (S.D.) knowledge score of participants in this study was 11.12 (± 4.21), with a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 22. In terms of the distribution of the CKD knowledge score, half of the respondents have a score of 11 or less. One-way ANOVA revealed that respondents with a degree educational background and family history of CKD had higher knowledge scores. An independent t-test was also performed, but it found no link between socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge score.Conclusion: The Ethiopian population has a low level of general knowledge about CKD and its risk factors. Non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, are currently a public health concern and one of the major risk factors for CKD.Keywords: limited chronic kidney disease, public knowledge, Ethiopia

Moges Gashaw,1 Fantu Mamo Aragaw,2 Ashenafi Zemed,1 Mastewal Endalew,3 Nuhamin Tesfa Tsega,4 Melaku Hunie Asratie,4 Daniel Gashaneh Belay2,5 1Department of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Gondar, Ethiopia; 2Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 3Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 4Department of Women’s and Family Health, School of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 5Department of Human Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Moges Gashaw, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, PO Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia, Email mogesgashaw1@gmail.comBackground: Stiffness, or more precisely, a restriction in the range of motion, is a potential complication following any intra- or extra-articular injury. The passive or active range of motion of the physiological joint is an important factor in determining the significance of joint stiffness. The goals of this study were to assess the incidence of joint stiffness following a fracture, using a standard goniometer, and to identify potential predictors of joint stiffness among post-fracture patients.Methods: A prospective hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July 1, 2021 to September 13, 2021, at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. A total of 230 study participants participated in the study, and systematic sampling methods were used to recruit the study participants. Bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression model analyses were conducted, with SPSS version 23, to identify factors associated with post-fracture joint stiffness.Results: The overall prevalence of post-fracture stiffness was 25.7% (n=59). Having a left-side fracture (AOR=10.83; 95% CI 1.71– 17.74), patients having no physiotherapy follow-up (AOR=6.72; 95% CI 1.79– 25.13), and patients using assistive devices (AOR=11.95; 95% CI 3.63– 39.35) were significantly associated with post-fracture stiffness, with p-values of less than 0.05.Conclusion: The study found that one-quarter of the study participants experienced post-fracture joint stiffness. A fracture on the left side, individuals with no physiotherapy follow-up, and the use of assistive devices were found to be independent predictors of joint stiffness. Early referral of fracture patients to the rehabilitation center is recommended to prevent post-fracture complications and joint stiffness.Keywords: physiotherapy, fracture, joint, stiffness, range of motion

Purpose – This study aims to examine smallholder farmers’ perceptions toward the adoption of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) in smallholder farmers in the Upper Blue Nile Highlands of Ethiopia. Available research focused on profitability and economic constraints alone, disregarding the farmers’ perception of the adoption of CSA innovations. There is relatively little empirical work on farmers’ perceptions of innovations. Hence, a critical research gap that will strengthen CSA innovation research and practice includes understanding farmers’ perceptions about CSA innovations and how these perceptions interact with their adoption. Design/methodology/approach – A cross-sectional household survey was conducted among 424 smallholder farmers selected from five agro-ecosystems. A structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data and a review of literature and documents was used to collect secondary data. The study used a multivariate probit model to examine perception factors affecting the likelihood of adopting multiple CSA innovations. The dependent variables were eight CSA innovations, while the independent variables were crafted from the three pillars of CSA. Findings – Major CSA innovations adopted by farmers include improved variety, crop residue management, crop rotation, compost, row planting, soil and water conservation, intercropping and agroforestry. Farmers’ perception toward CSA innovations includes: CSA innovations sustainably increase productivity and income; enhance soil fertility; diversify livestock feed and energy sources; reduce soil erosion, weed infestation and crop failure; enhance soil organic matter, reduce chemical fertilizer use and rehabilitate land. Farmers’ positive perceptions of the benefits of CSA innovations for increasing crop productivity, reducing agricultural vulnerability to climate change and lowering farm greenhouse gas emissions have boosted adoption. Practical implications – Farmers’ perceptions toward CSA innovations must be enhanced to increase the adoption of CSA innovations in the smallholder agriculture system. The CSA innovation scale-up strategies should focus on farmers’ perception of CSA innovation benefits toward food security, climate change adaption and mitigation outcomes. Awareness of CSA needs the close collaboration of public extension as well as local institutions such as farmers’ training centers. Originality/value – The study adopts a multivariate probit model that models farmers’ simultaneous CSA innovation choices. Hence, this study contributes to the literature in four significant areas. First, it argues for differential treatment of the perception of smallholder farmers about innovations is needed. Second, it recognizes the interdependence of the adoption of innovations. Third, it directly assesses the farmers’ perception, while others use proxies to measure it. Finally, there are limited or no studies that address the perception of innovations within the lens of adopter perception theory.

Miftah Mohammed,1 Mesfin Fiseha,1 Getachew Belay,2 Samuel Kindie,3 Aster Tsegaye3 1Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 2Department of Medical laboratory science, College of Health Sciences, Adigrat University, Adigrat, Ethiopia; 3Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Miftah Mohammed, Email amarmiftah100@gmail.comAbstract: Background: Physiological changes during pregnancy cause alterations in concentration of biochemical analytes. Thus, locally established pregnancy-specific reference intervals are important for accurate diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of diseases. The objective of the study was to establish reference interval for the common renal and liver function clinical chemistry parameters among pregnant and non-pregnant women of South Wollo zone, Ethiopia.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 323 apparently healthy study participants randomly selected from South Wollo zone, Ethiopia, from April to June 2019. Medical history, physical examination and sociodemography were collected by using questionnaire. Liver and renal function clinical chemistry tests were done using A25 Biosystems, clinical chemistry analyzer. After the exclusion of outliers, Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was used to check its normality. The 95% RI with 95% confidence interval was established using the nonparametric method. The significance of differences was evaluated using Mann–Whitney U test.Result: There was statistically significant variation between pregnant and non-pregnant women in values of albumin, T. protein, ALP, urea and creatinine, but not for AST, ALT, bilirubin (direct) and bilirubin (total). Reference intervals established for pregnant women includes albumin 26.14– 42.87g/L, total protein 48.52– 74.71 g/L, AST 2.4– 43.6 U/L, ALT 0.94– 28.35 U/L, ALP 21.2– 337 U/L, bilirubin (direct) 0.03– 0.32 mg/dL, bilirubin (total) 0.26– 0.94 mg/dL, creatinine 0.29– 0.87 mg/dL, urea 7.17– 20.82 mg/dL. Albumin: 32.81– 47.87, total protein: 56.71– 83.9 U/L, AST: 4.2– 37.1 U/L, ALT: 2.69– 41.18 U/L, ALP: 3.22– 278.7 U/L, bilirubin (direct) 0.1– 0.51 mg/dL, bilirubin (total) 0.24– 1.06 mg/dL, creatinine 0.44– 1.00 mg/dL, urea 8.07– 27.87 mg/dL for non-pregnant women.Conclusion: The study showed marked difference in albumin, total protein, alkaline phosphatase, urea and creatinine. Therefore, physiological adaptations of pregnancy should be considered when interpreting liver and renal function tests in a pregnant woman.Keywords: reference interval, clinical chemistry, pregnant, non-pregnant

Sewhareg Belay,1,2 Ayalew Astatkie,1 Sven Gudmund Hinderaker2 1School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia; 2Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, NorwayCorrespondence: Sewhareg Belay, Tel +251 916874105, Email betigsew@gmail.comBackground: It is important that health workers understand intimate partner violence (IPV) and its link with ill health. Increasing their awareness will help them play a stronger role in identifying survivors and providing appropriate health care. We assessed the knowledge and attitude of health workers towards IPV survivors taking into account their professional roles.Methods: Data was collected in 2018 in 12 health centers and 55 health posts located in 3 districts of the former Sidama zone using a self-administered questionnaire. The main outcome variable was proportion of wrong responses of the knowledge questions. We also calculated scores from the 10 knowledge questions and 10 Likert items of attitude. Proportions of wrong responses were compared between health post and health center staff. Mean knowledge score was compared using an independent samples t-test and a one-way analysis of variance. A Tukey’s honestly significant difference test was performed to determine significant analysis of variance results.Results: There were 139 participants. Most (78%) of them were females. Nurses and midwives accounted for 54% of the total. Few (13%) of the participants had received previous training regarding IPV. More than half of the participants were not confident about how to care for women exposed to IPV. “Wrong responses” (incorrect or “don’t know”) ranged from 5.8% to 30.9%. The mean knowledge score was higher for women older than 30 years (p = 0.03). Negative attitudes ranged from 4 to 47%. One-third of the participants believed that they could not suspect IPV unless they saw physical injuries. More knowledge about IPV was associated with better attitude scores.Conclusion: Around half of the health workers felt unprepared to provide care to IPV survivors, and a third would not consider IPV unless they saw physical evidence. Increasing knowledge may improve attitudes and support for IPV survivors.Keywords: health workers, knowledge, attitude, intimate partner violence, Ethiopia

Abrham Debeb Sendekie,1 Mengistu Abate Belay,2 Sindu Ayalew Yimer,2 Alemu Degu Ayele3 1College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wachemo University, Hossana, Ethiopia; 2College of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 3College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Abrham Debeb Sendekie, Email abrishdebeb86@gmail.comBackground: Even though recent progress, Ethiopia continues to be one of the most significant contributors to the worldwide burden of maternal mortality. Evidence-based intrapartum practices have significant value to improve the health outcome of the mother and the neonate. However, in Ethiopia, it is not exercised according to the standard. Assessing the proportion of evidence-based intrapartum practice and predictors is essential and vital to providing better-quality care to laboring mothers. Hence, this study was aimed to assess the magnitude of evidence-based intrapartum practice and predictors among obstetric care providers working in public hospitals in South Wollo zone, North-central Ethiopia.Patient and Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was employed among 398 obstetric care providers from February 1 to April 30, 2021. Study participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Both a structured questionnaire and an observational checklist were used to collect the data. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was done to determine predictors associated with evidence-based intrapartum practice and P-value < 0.05 at 95% CI was declared as statistically significant.Results: The overall magnitude of evidence-based intrapartum care was 54.7% [95% CI (49.6– 59.7%)]. Knowledge [AOR = 2.1; 95% CI (1.30– 3.38)], computer access [AOR = 2.04; 95% CI (1.27– 3.27)], work experience [AOR= 2.13; 95% CI (1.21– 3.73)] and training [AOR = 1.81; 95% CI (1.12– 2.93)] were found to be statistically significant with evidence-based intrapartum practice.Conclusion: We found that only half of the obstetric care providers applied evidence-based intrapartum practice. Increasing knowledge of intrapartum care, providing continuous training, making the working environment safe to handle experienced providers, and easily access computers in the workplace will be needed to maximize the practice of evidence-based intrapartum care and scale up the quality of care.Keywords: evidence-based, intrapartum practice, knowledge and obstetric care providers

Anteneh Ayelign Kibret,1 Hailu Aragie,1 Daniel Gashaneh Belay,1,2 Meseret Derbew Molla,3 Ephrem Tafesse Teferi,4 Endalkachew Belayneh Melese,4 Yilkal Belete Worku,4 Haileab Fekadu Wolde,2 Dagnew Getnet Adugna1 1Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 2Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 3Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 4Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Dagnew Getnet Adugna, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, P.O.Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia, Tel +2510932223887, Email dagnewgetnet5@gmail.comIntroduction: Hypertension is the most common comorbidities in adult cancer patients. Although hypertension is a leading cause of cancer-related death and disability, there is no evidence about its prevalence and associated factors among cancer patients in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of hypertension among cancer patients.Methods: Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among cancer patients from January to March 2021. A systematic random sampling technique was performed to select 403 study participants. To collect the data, structured interviewer-administered questionnaires were used. Both bi-variable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with hypertension. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and P-value of less than 0.05 were used to determine significant factors.Results: The final result was based on 384 cancer patients. In this study, the prevalence of hypertension among adult cancer patients was 36.2% [95% CI: (31.5, 41.2)]. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, age greater than 57 years [AOR = 5.0; 95% CI (1.7, 14.9)] and having a family history of hypertension [AOR 10.9; 95% CI (5.5, 21.6)] were found to be significantly associated with hypertension.Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension among cancer patients was considerably high. Age > 57 years and family history of hypertension were found to increase the odds of having hypertension among cancer patients. Therefore, it is important to emphasize cancer patients that are at high risk of hypertension and develop preventive strategies to decrease the burden of this disease. There is a need for routine screening for hypertension for those having a positive family history of hypertension and older age, as they have an increased likelihood of developing high blood pressure among cancer patients.Keywords: hypertension, prevalence, cancer, associated factors, Ethiopia